Lab Research Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Lab Assistant supports plant research by collecting and preparing soy and wheat plant samples for DNA analysis, following established internal research protocols. This role requires strong attention to detail, consistent performance against defined metrics, and adherence to safety and cleanliness standards in a controlled laboratory and growth chamber environment. The position involves hands-on physical work with plants and laboratory equipment, including tasks in greenhouse and seed chipping areas, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Collect soy and wheat plant and tissue samples for DNA analysis in strict accordance with internal research protocols.
• Prepare, label, and handle samples accurately to ensure data integrity and traceability.
• Follow established research procedures and protocols consistently, maintaining high attention to detail.
• Maintain facility cleanliness by keeping workstations, laboratory areas, and equipment clean and organized.
• Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines while working in laboratory, greenhouse, and growth chamber environments.
• Perform seed chipping and related tasks as needed to support research activities.
• Work with plants growing in the chamber facility, including handling, inspecting, and preparing plant material.
• Meet established performance metrics and productivity goals for assigned tasks.
• Perform repetitive fine-motor tasks, such as using tweezers and other small tools, for extended periods.
• Lift, move, and carry materials and equipment as required, following safe handling practices.
• Work assigned weekend shifts on a rotating basis and support work on company holidays as needed.
• Collaborate with team members and follow direction from supervisors to complete daily and seasonal workloads.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support ongoing research and facility operations.

• High school diploma.
• Science background through education and/or experience.
• Experience following established research protocols and procedures with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and growth chamber environments.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks requiring gripping, squeezing, bending, reaching, standing, and sitting for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Willingness to work assigned weekend shifts on a rotational basis.
• Willingness to work on company holidays as needed.
• Strong focus on safety, cleanliness, and adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Ability to meet established performance metrics and productivity targets.

• Associate degree or higher, preferably in a scientific or related field.
• Prior laboratory experience, particularly in plant, seed, or agricultural research settings.
• Experience with seed chipping processes.
• Experience working in greenhouse or controlled growth chamber environments.
• Comfort using tools such as tweezers and other fine-motor instruments for repetitive tasks.
• Ability to work effectively in a structured, protocol-driven research environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to seasonal workload changes and varying task assignments.

The role is based in a large, climate-controlled research facility that houses 32 growth chambers where soybean plants are cultivated in controlled conditions. The growth chambers typically maintain warm conditions of approximately 80–85 degrees and simulated sunlight, so you must be comfortable working in a warm environment. The position is physically demanding and involves standing on your feet for most of an 8-hour shift, performing repetitive motions such as working with tweezers, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds. The dress code is casual, with jeans, a work-appropriate shirt, and closed-toe shoes required for safety and comfort. This is an open-ended, long-term contract opportunity, with a busy season of about four months and the potential to retain strong performers beyond that period. Standard shifts run Monday through Friday, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for approximately 35–40 hours per week, with occasional lighter weeks depending on workload. Weekend work is scheduled on a rotating basis, with an expectation to work two weekends out of every five, generally both Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. When scheduled for a weekend, you receive a weekday off during the same week. Weekend schedules are planned several months in advance, and the team works collaboratively to assign shifts in a way that aligns with individual availability. The organization offers paid time off for major holidays and accrues paid time off based on hours worked, contributing to a stable and supportive work environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Johnston, IA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Johnston,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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